Where should you seek advice if you notice concerning changes on your skin? Can common warts be ignored? Are these types of growth dangerous? These questions often cross our minds. A Polish dermatologist in London will provide clear answers to these and many other questions about common skin problems.
The Most Common Reasons for a Dermatology Visit
What is most worrying when it comes to our skin? Naturally, all types of discolorations, moles, and warts that appear on the skin. In many cases, they do not indicate any serious health issues, but they’re always worth consulting a specialist. During an appointment, the dermatologist will carefully examine the lesion and provide a diagnosis.
One of the most common reasons for a visit at a dermatology clinic are warts, often referred to as “verrucas”. Polish dermatologist in Coventry reminds patients not to ignore them, as warts are viral and very contagious lesions.
What Is the Difference Between a Wart and a Papilloma?
“Wart” and “papilloma” are terms often used interchangeably in everyday speech, but they have different meanings in medicine. Here are the main differences:
Wart
- A colloquial term often used for any small, raised skin lesion.
- Most commonly refers to lesions caused by HPV (so-called viral warts, or verrucas).
- May appear on hands, feet, fingers, face, or in the genital area.
- Usually small, rough, and bumpy; may be skin-coloured or darker.
- Contagious – spread through direct contact.
Papilloma
- Medical and histopathological term for a benign epithelial tumour resembling a wart.
- Forms due to epithelial overgrowth, with a “cauliflower-like” appearance.
- Can appear on the skin or mucous membranes – e.g., in the throat, larynx, bladder, or genital organs.
- May be caused by HPV, but not all papillomas are viral.
- Some papilloma types (especially genital or respiratory papilloma) require monitoring due to the risk of malignant transformation.
What Causes Warts on the Body?
Warts are caused by an infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Most commonly, the virus spreads through sexual contact, as it is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact. It is estimated that 80% of people have had contact with HPV. The infection often causes no symptoms, so carriers may be unaware they are spreading it.
Polish dermatologist in London explains that certain behaviours can lead to accidental HPV transmission, such as:
- sharing towels,
- wearing someone else’s shoes,
- walking barefoot in pools or saunas,
- unprotected sex with new partners.
There are also additional factors that promote the development of warts:
Viral Infection (HPV)
HPV is the main cause of warts. There are many types of the virus, and some cause skin lesions. The virus penetrates the epidermis, damaging skin cells and causing overgrowth that results in characteristic bumps.
Depending on the virus type and site of infection, different types of warts may occur:
- common warts (on hands, fingers),
- plantar warts (on the feet, often called verrucas),
- flat warts (on face, hands),
- genital warts.
Weakened Immune System
Individuals with reduced immunity (e.g. transplant recipients, people with HIV, those on immunosuppressive drugs) are more prone to warts. In such cases, the body may be unable to effectively fight off the viral infection, which leads to the development of warts.
Contact With Infected Skin
HPV spreads easily through contact with infected skin or objects such as towels or razors. It can also spread in public places like pools and gyms, especially if the skin is damaged.
Genetic Predisposition
A family tendency toward warts may increase the likelihood of developing them. Although genes themselves do not directly cause warts, they can affect the skin’s susceptibility to HPV infection.
Skin Micro-injuries
Skin damage caused by cuts, scratches, or abrasions make it easier for HPV to enter the skin. The skin on the feet (for example, in the case of verrucas) can be easily damaged due to pressure, which promotes the development of warts.
Hormonal Factors
Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause may influence wart development. Hormones can affect the immune system and the skin, which may encourage the HPV development.
Poor Hygiene
Inadequate skin hygiene can contribute to viral infections, including HPV. Not washing your hands daily, using unclean items (such as dirty towels), or walking barefoot in public places can contribute to the development of warts.
Environmental Factors
Warm, moist environments such as swimming pools promote viral (and HPV) spread. Therefore, people who frequently use such places, especially those with lowered immunity, may be more susceptible to infection and the development of warts.
How to Recognise Warts – Explained by a Polish Dermatologist in the UK
Warts, especially those on the feet or hands, are often mistaken for blisters. Polish dermatologist in London explains that warts (verrucas) are small, raised growths with a rough surface. They may be brown, white, pink, or skin-coloured, and often contain small black dots. They most commonly appear on:
- fingers,
- hands,
- feet,
- genital areas (particularly if the infection was sexually transmitted).
Types of Warts
Although warts can appear anywhere on the body, they can also be classified by type. HPV has more than 100 variants. Polish dermatologist in London lists the main groups:
- Common warts – bumpy, rough lesions made of thickened epidermis; often skin-coloured; typically found on fingers, around nails, and even under the nail plate.
- Flat warts – smooth, slightly raised, a few millimetres in size.
- Genital warts (condylomata acuminata) – branching lesions in the genital area; commonly linked to sexually transmitted HPV.
Polish dermatologist in the UK also points out seborrheic keratoses, which are not viral. These are very common benign epidermal growths that can appear almost anywhere on the body. They are painless and usually harmless, though they may be removed for aesthetic reasons. They are not contagious.
How Are Warts Diagnosed?
During a dermatology visit, the first priority is determining the type of skin lesion. Polish dermatologist in the UK can diagnose the lesion using clinical observation and tools like a handheld dermoscope.
Dermatologists also recognise warning signs of potentially malignant lesions that require specialist treatment, such as:
- irregular shape,
- asymmetry,
- ulceration,
- pain.
How to Treat Warts – Advice from a Polish Dermatologist in London
There are many ways to remove these irregular skin bumps. Treatment may include topical medications designed to exfoliate and regenerate the epidermis. Products containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, or trichloroacetic acid are often effective.
Read about: The importance of diet for mental health and well-being
Polish dermatologist in the UK may also recommend cryotherapy, a procedure that uses extremely low temperatures. By applying liquid nitrogen, the wart is frozen and eventually removed. However, cryotherapy is not suitable for people with:
- hypertension,
- hypothyroidism,
- anaemia,
- circulatory insufficiency.
Seborrheic keratoses often do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Polish dermatologist in London should decide whether removal is advisable (e.g., using cryotherapy – especially if the lesion is located in an area prone to friction.
Summary – Wart-like Lesions and Warts on the Skin
In summary, if you notice any skin changes that cause concern, you should consult a dermatologist. After an examination, a Polish dermatologist in the UK will explain what the lesion is and advise whether treatment is necessary.
